In 2022, Skep Wax released their first Under The Bridge compilation, bringing together fresh material from fourteen bands/artists who released records on the legendary British Sarah Records label (1987-1995). A successful concept, which is now getting an even bigger sequel: Under the Bridge 2 has twenty brand new tracks, most of them exclusive and unreleased. You would expect it to be a trip full of nostalgia, but the emphasis is on the present-day: “The artists’ shared history means they have a shared aesthetic, even a shared ethos – they all believe that the future is more important than the past. They are as independent and as uncompromising as ever, but they are still uncynical, and still excited about what pop music can be.”
This double album offers a stellar overview of contemporary indie pop, both in variety and attraction. Today’s highlights for me are the songs from The Gentle Spring (a new project by Michael Hiscock of The Field Mice), Jetstream Pony (previously in Aberdeen) and Wandering Summer (ex-Boyracer) – listen below – but just as easily I could have gone for Action Painting!, The Catenary Wires, The Hit Parade, Even As We Speak, The Orchids or one of the other appealing names.
Under The Bridge 2 is out now digitally, on CD and vinyl 2-LP (including a 24-page illustrated booklet), through Skep Wax Records. It’s not available on streaming services.